Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence

Caravaggio (b. Michelangelo Merisi or Amerighi, Italian, 1571-1610) - Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence, c.1600-09 (Oil on canvas. It was stolen on October 18, 1969 from the Oratory of San Lorenzo in Palermo, Sicily) - Caravaggio is always original. His Mary is in disarray, slumping back in exhaustion like any woman who has just given birth. Joseph gazes unblinkingly at the little form on the floor -  new life, full of promise. The shepherds crowd around, talking among themselves. An angel hovers overhead, holding the banner that proclaims 'Gloria in Excelsis Deo' - Glory to God in the Highest…